Manchester United have refused to throw in the towel in their pursuit of highly-rated Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.
According to a report from The Times, the Red Devils are planning to submit a third bid for the England international despite Everton’s reluctance to negotiate a lower fee.
The saga surrounding Branthwaite’s potential transfer has seen the Toffees hold firm to a higher valuation than United are currently willing to meet.
United’s first offer of £35 million was swiftly rebuffed, with the Toffees reportedly holding out for a fee closer to £70m.
The Red Devils then launched a second offer worth £45m plus an additional £5m in add-ons, but it wasn’t enough to convince Everton either.
However, United remain undeterred in their quest to land the coveted home-grown talent, who is considered a key target by manager Erik ten Hag.
United have already reached an agreement on personal terms with Branthwaite, who has committed to a long-term contract worth £150,000 per week.
Ten Hag wants a left-footed centre-back to compete with Lisandro Martinez for a starting berth at the heart of the defence, and Branthwaite checks that box.
However, Everton are playing hardball and want to recoup a fee that will make the former PSV Eindhoven loanee one of the most expensive defenders in the world.
While a deal for Branthwaite remains elusive, United are making progress elsewhere in their defensive overhaul.
They are reportedly close to completing a deal for Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, who is set to join the club in a deal worth £43m.
De Ligt primarily plays as a right-sided centre-back and is seen as the ideal successor to Raphael Varane, who left the club this summer.
United are also pursuing a deal for Lille prodigy Leny Yoro and have agreed a £42m deal with the Ligue 1 giants, but they face a huge stumbling block.
The coveted 18-year-old star is reportedly prioritising a move to Real Madrid this summer, although the reigning Champions League winners are reluctant to match Lille’s asking price.
